On this Earth Day, we think about other species. We all know that honeybees, such as the one feasting on this borage flower, are declining and that their pollination efforts are crucial to the success of the food we eat. We love to attract birds and insects to our edible landscaping, too.
The tempting blossoms of flowering plants will lure pollinators that help fruit set and attract predatory wasps that feast on pesty larvae such as borers and coddling moths. Attractive plants include edible herbs such as dill, fennel, and coriander, as well as insectary plants such as yarrow, dill. fennel, coriander, yarrow, buchwheat, lavender, bee balm, and many clovers. Queen Anne’s lace, sunflowers, onions, lilies, and all plants in the mint family are also great.
Not only will beneficiary plants improve your garden’s health, but will also attract the birds who eat the wonderful insects and help create biodiversity.